2012 public policy guide
DESCRIPTION
2012 Public Policy GuideTRANSCRIPT
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1500 BROADWAY, SUITE 101
LUBBOCK, TX 79401
806.761.7000
LUBBOCKCHAMBER.COM
Our VISION: The Lubbock Chamber
of Commerce is a proactive,
effective business advocate;
recognized as a regional leader
and for sustaining the economic
prosperity of our community.
Our MISSION: The Mission of the
Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is
to strengthen, promote and serve
our member businesses.
What We VALUE:
Member-Focused
Partnerships and Regional Cooperation
Results
Advocacy
Building Community
Diversity & Inclusiveness
Respect & Integrity
2012 Public Policy Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Message from the President/CEO 4
LubbockBusinessVotes.com 5
Chamber Board & Executive Committee 6
A Message from the Chamber’s Leadership 7
Federal Officials 8
State Officials 9
County Officials 10
City Officials 11
Policy Resources 12
Vote Record Scorecard 13
Governmental & Legislative Affairs News Clips E-Bulletin (GLANCE) 14
Chamber Legislative Affairs Staff 15
Executive Summary: 2012 Federal Policy Priorities 16
Detailed 2012 Federal Policy 17
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A Message From the President/CEO
With more than 2,100 members who employ 72,000 Lubbock area citizens, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is the largest business federation on the Texas South Plains. Our
mission is to strengthen, promote and serve our member businesses.
This Public Policy Guide was created to inform our members, our elected officials and the community at large where the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce stands on the issues
that impact businesses in Lubbock and the surrounding area.
This guide includes contact information for your elected officials at the local, state and federal levels. It also includes effective ways to research and track legislation and
issues.
In order to communicate better with our membership, the Lubbock Chamber of Com-merce developed an advocacy Web site, www.LubbockBusinessVotes.com. This site is designed to present de-tailed information about important issues and to provide action steps to assist our members in sharing those
opinions with city, county, state and federal officials.
You are encouraged to use this guide, as well as the Web site, as resources to stay on top of the issues.
I think you will find the information comprehensive and useful as you formulate your views.
Remember the saying, “If you are not at the table, you will probably be on someone’s menu.”
Eddie McBride
President & CEO
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For 99 years, the Lubbock Chamber of
Commerce has worked to advocate for the
Lubbock business community and area
economy. As we move forward with our
advocacy efforts, we are proud to welcome
you to the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce
legislative and political advocacy action
center, LubbockBusinessVotes.com.
LubbockBusinessVotes.com
Our Mission :
To strengthen,
promote and serve
our member
businesses.
Here you'll find all the tools you'll need
to contact your members of Congress and
keep them informed on issues relating to
Lubbock business as well as to help you
keep up-to-date with the political process,
issues and candidates in order to make
informed decisions.
With LubbockBusinessVotes.com, you are in
the best position to engage and educate
elected officials about how laws and
regulations impact your bottom line.
If you don't speak up, who will?
Then, When the election season heats up, go
to the site to learn more about the
candidates running and the issues at stake.
The Lubbock Chamber is an
award winner of
“Government Affairs
Program of the Year”
among chambers in Texas
for 2005, 2008, 2009 and
2010!
“Congratulations to the Lubbock
Chamber of Commerce for receiving
the top honor of “Government
Affairs Program of the Year” for their
exceptional governmental affairs
program.”
Congressman Randy Neugebauer
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Chamber Board & Executive Committee
Chairman
Tim Collins, Collins Tile, LLP
Chairman-Elect
Carlos Morales, Caprock Home Health Services, Inc.
Immediate Past Chairwoman
Irasema Velasquez, Velasquez Insurance & Worksite Benefits
Treasurer
Alona Beesinger, Suddenlink Communications
Secretary
Eddie McBride, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce
Vice Chairwoman, Business Development Division
Beth Bridges, South Plains Mall
Vice Chairwoman, Membership Division
Polly Vann, V-tech Environmental Services
Vice Chairman, Legislative Affairs Division
Jay Jacobus, Scarborough Specialties, Inc.
Vice Chairman, Leadership Division
Peter Hur, RFS Financial Services
Vice Chairman, Communications Division
Dan Jackson, KCBD TV—NewsChannel 11
Vice Chairman, Hispanic Business Division
Rudy Rosales, Montelongo's Mexican Restaurant
Hispanic Business Division Representative
Yolanda Gonzaga, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Martin Aguirre, Workforce Solutions South Plains
Cathy Allen, The Gibraltar Group
Larry Allen, Peoples Bank
Steve Beasley, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Ron Betenbough, Betenbough Homes
John D. Brock, NorthStar Surgical Center
Jeff Dane, UMC Health System
Renee Gonzales Davis, Alderson/Mercedes-Benz
Linda Gaither, WestMark REALTORS—Gaither/Ratcliff
Dr. Karen Garza, Lubbock Independent School District
Gary Gregory, Atmos Energy
Grace Hernandez, Texas Tech University
Sidney Hopper, United Supermarkets, LLC
Clayton Isom, TAO Development Group
Robert Lacy, PYCO Industries, Inc.
Gabe Martinez, Telemundo KXTQ-TV 46, Ramar Communications
Stephanie Massengale, Advanced Graphix
Brandon Mulkey, Chick-fil-A at South Plains Crossing
Richard Parks, Covenant Health System
Keith Patrick, American Cancer Society
Bill Patton, Robison, Johnston & Patton, CPAs
Joe Phea, African American Chamber of Commerce-Lubbock
Norval Pollard, City Bank
Shirley Schleuse, Lamar Outdoor Advertising
David Seim, Happy State Bank
Frank Silvas, AFLAC-Frank Silvas
Gabe Vitela, Mass Mutual Financial Group
Mitch Watson, First Bank & Trust Co.
Gary Zheng, Lubbock Power and Light
Executive Committee
Board of Directors
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A Message From Leadership
Tim Collins, Chairman
Lubbock Chamber of Commerce
Jay Jacobus, Vice Chairman
Legislative Affairs Division
The primary purpose of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is to address opportunities and impediments to commerce
within the Lubbock marketplace.
Our Legislative Affairs Division of the Lubbock Chamber is doing just that. We are very active in developing strong
working relationships with government officials at all levels so that we can be a resource to them, and to ensure that we
have the opportunity to discuss issues important to business and our area, as well as to find ways that we can collaborate
on important issues such as education, water, transportation, farm policy, health care, and more.
One way that we actively communicate with our elected officials is through our Legislative Affairs Committee, who
reviews, discusses and recommends positions on many issues to our Board of Directors. From workplace issues,
government regulations, health care reform, and farm policy to trade, energy and taxes, we listen to speakers, review
developments as well as discuss the pros and cons on specific issues. We then take positions and communicate them to
Chamber leadership who then encourage Chamber members to communicate these positions to elected officials through
letters, phone calls, personal meetings, and extensive advocacy efforts managed by professional Chamber staff.
A delegation of Chamber members travel to Washington, D.C., once annually and to Austin at least once every legislative
session to meet with our elected officials on important issues. We frequently attend City Council meetings in addition to
one-on-one meetings with elected officials and key staff held regularly as part of our advocacy efforts.
You, too, can get involved. When our collective voices are heard on an issue, we can make a difference. You can join us in
keeping local, state and federal representatives informed. Get involved in the Chamber’s Legislative Affairs Committee,
or check out our advocacy Web site, LubbockBusinessVotes.com. We provide a summary of the issues, our positions, and
make it easy for you to send letters to your representatives in addition to calling or visiting with them personally.
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Federal Officials
Washington Office: 284 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510-4304 Phone: (202) 224-5922
Fax: (202) 224-0776
Austin Office: 961 Federal Building 300 East 8th Street Austin, Texas 78701 Phone: (512) 916-5834
Fax: (512) 916-5839
Washington Office: 517 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 224-2934
Fax: (202) 228-2856
Lubbock Office: 3405 22nd Street Suite 203 Lubbock, TX 79410 Phone: (806) 472-7533
Fax: (806) 472-7536
Washington Office: 429 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-4005
Fax: (202) 225-9615
Lubbock Office: 611 University Ave. Suite #220 Lubbock, Texas 79401 Phone: (806) 763-1611 Fax:
(806) 767-9168
Kay Bailey Hutchinson
U.S. Senator
John Cornyn
U.S. Senator
Randy Neugebauer
19th Congressional District
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State Officials
Capitol Office: CAP 3E.10 Phone: (512) 463-0128 Address: P.O. Box 12068, Capitol Station
Austin, TX 78711
Texas State Senator
Robert L. Duncan
District Office:
Address: 1500 Broadway, Suite 902
Lubbock TX 79401
Phone: (806) 762-1122
Capitol Office: EXT E1.406
Phone: (512) 463-0676
Address: P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768
Texas State Representative John Frullo
District Office:
Address: 4601 50th Street, Ste. 216
Lubbock TX 79414
Phone: (806) 853-8275
Phone: (512) 463-2000 Fax: (512) 463-1849 P.O. Box 12428 Austin, Texas 78711
Texas Governor
Rick Perry
Capitol Office: EXT E1.418
Phone: (512) 463-0542
Address: P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768
Texas State Representative Charles Perry
District Office:
Address: 4216 102nd St. Ste. 101
Lubbock TX 79423
Phone: (806) 368-8037
Capitol Office: EXT E1.422
Phone: (512) 463-0604
Address: P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768
Texas State Representative Jim Landtroop
District Office:
Address: 3206 B Olton Rd.
Plainview, TX 79072
Phone: (806) 296-5720
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County Officials
Tom Head
Lubbock County Judge
Bill McCay
County Commissioner, Precinct 1
Phone: (806) 775-1558
Fax: (806) 775-1550
Phone: (806) 775-1335 Fax: (806) 775-1550
Gilbert Flores
County Commissioner, Precinct 3
Mark Heinrich
County Commissioner, Precinct 2
Phone: (806) 775-1335 Fax: (806) 775-1550
Phone: (806) 775-1335 Fax: (806) 775-1550
Patti Jones
County Commissioner, Precinct 4
Phone: (806) 775-1335 Fax: (806) 775-1550
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City Officials
Tom Martin
City of Lubbock Mayor
Victor Hernandez
Council Member, District 1
City of Lubbock
P.O. Box 2000
Lubbock, Texas 79457
Phone: (806) 775-2010
Phone: (806) 775-2027
Todd Klein
Council Member, District 3
Floyd Price
Council Member, District 2 City of
Phone: (806) 775-2007
Phone: (806) 775-2023
Karen Gibson
Council Member, District 5
Phone: (806) 775-2011
Paul Beane
Council Member, District 4
Phone: (806) 775-2008
Jim Gilbreath
Mayor Pro Tem, District 6
Phone: (806) 775-2031
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Policy Resources
Affiliated Issue Advocacy Organizations:
Texas Association of Business: txbiz.org
U.S. Chamber of Commerce: uschamber.com
American Chamber of Commerce Executives: acce.org
Ports to Plains Trade Corridor Coalition: portstoplains.com
Southwest Council of Agribusiness: southwest-council.com
Tracking and Researching Legislation:
Texas Legislature: legis.state.tx.us
Thomas (Federal Legislative Information): thomas.loc.gov
Local Resources:
To Locate City Council Information and Agendas:
Go to www.ci.lubbock.tx.us
Click on “City Council” on the right-hand side of the page.
To Locate County Commissioners’ Court Information and Agendas:
Go to www.co.lubbock.tx.us
Click on “Agendas and Meetings” on the left-hand side of the page.
Affiliated Issue Advocacy Organizations:
Texas Association of Business: txbiz.org
U.S. Chamber of Commerce: uschamber.com
American Chamber of Commerce Executives: acce.org
Ports to Plains Trade Corridor Coalition: portstoplains.com
Southwest Council of Agribusiness: southwest-council.com
Tracking and Researching Legislation:
Texas Legislature: legis.state.tx.us
Thomas (Federal Legislative Information): thomas.loc.gov
Local Resources:
To Locate City Council Information and Agendas:
Go to www.ci.lubbock.tx.us
Click on “City Council” on the right-hand side of the page.
To Locate County Commissioners’ Court Information and Agendas:
Go to www.co.lubbock.tx.us
Click on “Agendas and Meetings” on the left-hand side of the page.
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Vote Record Scorecard for City Officials
As part of our mission to “strengthen, promote and serve our member businesses,” the Lubbock
Chamber of Commerce works at the local level to advocate on our members’ behalf. As part of these
activities, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce tracks the City Council’s official votes on important
business-related issues.
Each year, the Lubbock Chamber of commerce will post our findings at LubbockBusinessVotes.com to
educate members on which local leaders are friends of business. The Chamber uses five principles to
guide our evaluation of potential “key votes” that might come before the Lubbock City Council.
Chamber Legislative Affairs Division “Guiding Principles”
Government should first “do no harm” to the Lubbock area economy.
City and County government should focus on priorities that will foster a favorable
business climate and grow Lubbock commerce, industry and jobs.
Government should get out of the way by streamlining government processes and
cutting red tape whenever and wherever possible.
When City and County government agencies contract out work, they should hire
locally when possible and practical.
When government agencies regulate or take action they should keep a careful eye on
issues of competitiveness locally, regionally, state-to-state and globally.
LubbockBusinessVotes.com
G L A N C E
(Governmental & Legislative Affairs News Clips E-bulletin)
Lubbock Chamber of Commerce
members can now subscribe to the
Chamber’s
periodic legislative affairs update,
the “LubbockBusinessVotes.com
GLANCE.”
GLANCE is a one-stop resource for
the
latest news on issues important to the
Lubbock area economy as well as
information on upcoming important
policy-related
meetings and events.
Are you keeping up with the issues,
news and developments by receiving
GLANCE?
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Chamber Legislative Affairs Staff
Eddie McBride, IOM President/CEO Phone: (806)761-7007 [email protected]
Norma Ritz Johnson, CCE, IOM VP-Legislative Affairs Phone: (806) 761-7006 [email protected]
Eddie McBride is the President and CEO of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce. He is responsible for providing
programs and services that benefit Chamber members, developing relationships to influence public policy and
instituting programs in support of area businesses.
Under McBride’s direction, the Chamber in 2009 received 5-Star Accreditation, the highest distinction a cham-
ber can receive, from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Lubbock Chamber during McBride’s tenure also has
received numerous awards, the most recent of which was being named 2008 Chamber of the Year by the Ameri-
can Chamber of Commerce Executives.
Chamber membership has grown to more than 2,100 members under his leadership, and McBride was instru-
mental in creating an award-winning employer health care plan as an added value to Chamber members, which
has enrolled almost 8,000 lives. The plan received the ACCE “Excellence” Award in Communications as well as the
TCCE “Community Development Program of the Year” award.
A retired Air Force officer, McBride grew up in Grand Prairie, Texas, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Political Science from Texas A&M University and a Masters in Public Administration from Troy State University,
Alabama. He moved to Lubbock in 1996 and served as the first Executive Director of the Lubbock Reese Redevel-
opment Authority where he was responsible for leading the initial redevelopment efforts of the closed Reese Air
Force Base. Reese Technology Center was created from the former pilot training base and is now home to a num-
ber of private business ventures, several Texas Tech research programs as well as South Plains College, Lubbock
campus.
McBride earned an Institute of Organizational Management or IOM certification in Nonprofit Organization Management in 2012 from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and in 2011, he received the Texas Chamber of Com-merce Executives Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to the professional development of Texas Cham-ber Executives. In 2008, he was awarded the prestigious “Road Hand Award” by the Texas Department of Trans-portation for his work to advocate for strong transportation infrastructure. He also is a recipient of the Lubbock Economics Council “James Eppler Award” for economic citizenship. He serves on the boards of the American Cham-ber of Commerce Executives, Texas Association of Business and the Texas Chamber Commerce Executives. He is an alumnus of Leadership Lubbock and is involved in many community, civic and non-profit activities.
As Vice President-Legislative Affairs, Norma Ritz Johnson oversees issues management, grassroots advocacy and government relations. Accomplishments during her Chamber tenure have included producing a
nationally-televised Congressional debate which received the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) “2004 Governmental Affairs Program of the Year” award. TCCE also has awarded the Lubbock Chamber with “Government Affairs Program of the Year” various times for efforts she has coordinated. Johnson also is responsible for overseeing the creation of and coordinating the Lubbock Chamber Employer Health Plan.
Johnson joined the Chamber staff in April, 2004 after serving as National Sorghum Producers
Communications Director, coordinating public and media relations as well as issues management related to farm policy. While at NGSP, she was part of a team that tripled federal research funding for sorghum and garnered sorghum the largest increase in 2002 Farm Bill support levels of any program crop. She previously served as West Texas Chief of Marketing & Agribusiness development at the Texas Department of Agriculture.
A native of the Lubbock area, Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education & Communications from Texas Tech University. She is an alumnus of Leadership Lubbock, Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership and Leadership Texas. Johnson serves on the Board of Regents at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organizational Management (IOM) Winter Institute where in 2010 she received the IOM professional designation. In 2011, she earned the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) professional
designation from ACCE. She is a Past Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives Government Relations Division and
also serves on the ACCE Medical Insurance Policy Council. She also is involved in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is a member of Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives and participates on various committees of the Texas Association of Business.
In 2007, Johnson was recognized with a “Top Twenty Under 40” award by the Young Professionals of Greater Lubbock, and in 2006 was named a “Top Twenty Hispanic” in Lubbock by Latino Lubbock Magazine. In 2011, Johnson was recognized as a “Graduate of Distinction” by the Texas Tech University Department of Agricultural Education and Communications.
She has served in various roles with the Lubbock Area United Way and currently serves on the Revolving
Loan Review Committee of the Caprock Business Finance Corporation.
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Executive Summary: 2012 Federal Policy Priorities
AGRICULTURE/WATER/ENVIRONMENT
Support reauthorization of the Farm Bill before it expires at the end of September. Oppose any efforts to force agriculture to contribute
more than its fair share of the deficit reduction process. Urge Congress to resist any legislative or administrative changes that reduce the safety net provisions included in the bill.
Urge the resolution of climate change legislation in a bipartisan manner that recognizes regional differences, the state of the technology, and the compelling need for a solution that minimizes overall economic impact. Oppose policies that jeopardize American jobs, create trade inequalities, leave open the Clean Air Act, open the door to CO2-based mass tort litigation, and further hamper the permitting process for clean energy.
Oppose any efforts to remove the word “navigable” from the Clean Water Act. The word “navigable” appears 83 times in the Clean
Water Act and protects private landowners and businesses from excessive federal regulation over standing water.
TRANSPORTATION
Support Ports-to-Plains efforts. Support establishing transportation infrastructure as a core economic issue and a high priority at all levels of government. Support U.S. Chamber of Commerce efforts to address long-term infrastructure needs through the Let’s Rebuild America initiative. Urge a permanent fix for the Highway Trust Fund.
Support current Metropolitan Planning Organization criteria and structure in the U.S.
Support increased flexibility in the way airport Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) funds can be spent. For public transportation, support definition of small urbanized areas eligible for flexibility to be defined as those areas that operate less than 100 buses during peak hour fixed route service.
HEALTHCARE
Support legislation that fosters private-sector solutions for the uninsured in the U.S. Support assn. health plans, medical liability reform; tax credits for purchasing own coverage and for respite care or IRA on long-term care. Support stand-alone legislation that offers tax credits for employer sponsored workplace wellness programs for employees.
Oppose implementation of new Medicaid block grant funding concepts for states. Protect federal funding for CHIP and the Texas Medicaid disproportionate share program. (DSH). Protect the use of intergovernmental transfer (IGT) funds to obtain Medicaid match. Maintain current Upper Payment Limit Program with enhanced match.
ECONOMY/TAXES/WORKPLACE
Oppose initiatives such as “Card Check”, which would abolish secret ballot elections.
Support efforts to explore and implement comprehensive tax reform that encourages economic growth.
Oppose expansion of workplace mandates as well as expansion of the National Labor Relations Board authority.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE/IMMIGRATION
Support immigration policies and procedures that are responsible, efficient, and fair. Urge Congress and the administration to address
current and potential delays, backlogs, and disruptions that impede the movement of legitimate cargo and travelers across U.S. borders. Ensure the continuity of H-1B, L-1 and J-1 medical and nursing visas for professionals and highly valued workers. Push for continuation of employers’ ability to access needed talent and meet global workforce needs. Urge a workable guest-worker program that encourages secure, documented entry to the U.S.
Support efforts to ensure Chinese regulations and practices governing foreign trade and investment do not inhibit the market access that
underlies China’s WTO commitments. Support efforts to ensure that a final deal in the WTO negotiations does not include premature and unwarranted U.S. concessions on anti-dumping and other trade remedy laws that would harm U.S. agriculture or industry. Advocate for a fair, robust trade agenda so that U.S. companies and agricultural producers can export their goods and services to create jobs for Americans.
EDUCATION/RESEARCH
Support Texas Tech’s efforts to elevate Texas Tech to Tier I status, commensurate with that of a flagship institution. Support federal education
policies that will help prepare workers for today’s business climate.
ENERGY
Urge the removal of obstacles to increased domestic energy production and encourage development of alternative energy.
Support development of the Keystone Pipeline project.
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Detailed 2012 Federal Policy
AGRICULTURE/WATER/ENVIRONMENT
Agriculture is the cornerstone of the Lubbock economy. Agriculture and agribusiness also represent a major sector of the national economy. Agriculture in the Lubbock area is largely dependent on water, and water also is vital to the area’s future and to potential economic development in the Lubbock area.
The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce fully supports reauthorization of the Farm Bill before it expires at the end of September. We understand agriculture’s role in reducing the federal deficit; however, we oppose any efforts to force agriculture to contribute more than its fair share of the process. We believe that ensuring a strong safety net for agriculture is vital to preserving the integrity of our food and fiber production, as well as the the economy of our region, so we would urge Congress to resist any legislative or administrative changes that reduce the safety net provisions included in the bill.
Support Congressionally directed initiatives for agricultural research.
The Chamber is supportive of additional federal / state funding for water-related research projects, as long as a project benefits the region and does not negatively impact area producers and other water users.
Oppose efforts to remove the word “navigable” from the Clean Water Act. “Navigable” appears 83 times in the Act and protects landowners and businesses from excessive federal regulation over standing water.
Support efforts to ensure that environmental regulations are based on sound science and are implemented fairly. Urge the resolution of climate change legislation in a bipartisan manner that recognizes regional differences, the state of the technology, and the compelling need for a solution that minimizes overall economic impact. Specifically, we support legislation that would:
minimize the impact on major emitters;
reduce price volatility for consumers;
protect global competitiveness;
invest in renewable energy sources;
take advantage of nuclear power;
streamline the permit system;
make us the "Saudi Arabia of clean coal" by fostering carbon capture and sequestration technology;
commit to increased environmentally responsible onshore and offshore oil and gas exploration;
contain consumer and intellectual property protections;
protect against agency regulation under existing laws not written for greenhouse gases;
strengthen the hand of our international negotiators;
increase our own energy security and energy efficiency.
Oppose bad policies that resemble the failed climate proposals of the past, such as bills that jeopardize American jobs, create trade inequalities, leave open the Clean Air Act, open the door to CO2-based mass tort litigation, and further hamper the permitting process for clean energy.
Educate policymakers about the tremendous local, national, and global economic implications of water policy and promote the use of sound science in setting such policy. Closely monitor supply and ownership issues and water quality concerns, including recent enforcement efforts targeting unregulated storm water discharges.
Oppose legislative or regulatory barriers that could hinder the growth of biotechnology at the national and international levels, including opposing regulations that impair unfettered marketplace activity; monitoring food labeling requirements, standards, and monitoring expanded controls on previously unregulated commodities; and undertaking efforts, where appropriate, to communicate the desirable benefits of biotechnology.
Oppose any misguided and misinformed efforts to eliminate all federal commodity research and promotion programs.
HEALTH CARE
Health Insurance/Tax Credits
Support association health plans, which would serve as purchasing pools for small businesses;
Support federal medical liability reform;
Urge equitable tax treatment for individuals who purchase their own coverage and support tax credits targeted to those with modest incomes.
Support caregivers through respite care and tax credits or an IRA on long-term care issues.
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Detailed 2012 Federal Policy
Support legislation that fosters private-sector solutions for the uninsured in the U.S.
Support stand-alone legislation that offers tax credits for employer sponsored workplace wellness programs for employees. Medicaid Program
Urge lawmakers to protect and enhance Medicaid funding for hospitals.
Oppose implementation of new Medicaid block grant funding concepts for states.
Protect federal funding for CHIP and the Texas Medicaid disproportionate share program. (DSH)
Protect the use of intergovernmental transfer (IGT) funds to obtain Medicaid match. Medicare Program
Oppose efforts to reduce Medicare Advantage or Medicare hospital and physician payments. Ensure that the Medicare program is protected from government imposed price controls on prescription drugs and offers choices to seniors and people with disabilities.
Support linking physician Medicare reimbursements to quality-focused, performance-driven benchmarks. Physician reimbursement rates currently are set by a sustainable growth rate formula that needs comprehensive reform. Oppose reducing hospital reimbursements for offsets.
Support efforts by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to reduce regulatory burdens on health care providers.
Maintain current Upper Payment Limit Program with enhanced match. Rural Health
Support rural health initiatives and oppose measures that would reduce access for rural residents. Workforce Shortage
Support continued reform of the area wage index system utilized by the Medicare reimbursement system. This system, created in 1984, unfairly penalizes communities that had a low cost of living almost 20 years ago, and has restricted the ability of local health care providers to offer competitive wages.
Reduce the national shortage of nurses and other allied professionals through innovative funding for educational programs and scholarships.
Oppose efforts to implement nurse-staffing ratios.
Support changes in immigration policies to facilitate recruitment of foreign nurses.
INTERNATIONAL/TRADE/IMMIGRATION
Support immigration policies and procedures that are responsible, efficient, and fair. Urge Congress and the administration to address current and potential delays, backlogs, and disruptions in our immigration and border management systems that impede the movement of legitimate cargo and travelers across U.S. borders. Continue to advance long-term legal immigration objectives to secure additional workers to counteract demographic trends. Ensure the continuity of H-1B, L-1 and J-1 medical visas for professionals and highly valued workers. Push for continuation of employers’ ability to access needed talent and meet global workforce needs. Urge a workable guest-worker program that encourages secure, documented entry to the U.S.
Support efforts to make certain that Chinese regulations and practices governing foreign trade and investment do not result in an uneven playing field and inhibit the market access that underlies China’s World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments. Continue to closely monitor China’s progress toward meeting its outstanding and year-five WTO obligations.
Support efforts to ensure that a final deal in the WTO negotiations does not include premature and unwarranted U.S. concessions on anti-dumping and other trade remedy laws that would harm U.S. and West Texas agriculture or industry.
Advocate for a fair, robust trade agenda so that U.S. companies and agricultural producers can export their goods and services around the globe to create jobs for Americans.
19
Detailed 2012 Federal Policy
EDUCATION/RESEARCH
A strong K-16 education system is crucial to the development of any community. Employers need a solid base of well-educated employees; education is a key decision in many relocation decisions; academic advancement and research conducted at institutions of higher learning and science provide multiple benefits to the economy. A recent analysis estimates the economic benefit of Texas Tech University obtaining $10 million per year from the National Research University Fund (NRUF). Lubbock County Annual Benefits:
• NRUF funds would generate a total economic impact of $19.8 million per year for Lubbock county. • NRUF funds would create and/or sustain 228 jobs in Lubbock County annually. • The economic impact of the NRUF funds includes annual household earnings impact of nearly $10.4 million in Lubbock County.
The Chamber supports Texas Tech’s efforts to elevate Texas Tech to Tier I status, commensurate with that of a flagship institution.
Support efforts to ensure that federal education and training programs, such as those authorized under the Workforce Investment Act, focus on the elements necessary to help American workers obtain the high-wage, high-skilled jobs that businesses are creating every day.
Incorporate policies in legislation reauthorizing the Higher Education Act that recognize the needs of adult workers attending postsecondary education on a less than half-time basis; accommodate the demographic shift in the postsecondary student population; allow employers and workers to keep pace with rapid advances in technology; and make certain equitable treatment for proprietary postsecondary education companies to address existing workforce challenges and ensure American competitiveness.
The Chamber is supportive of additional federal and/or state legislatively directed initiatives for water-related research projects, as long as a project benefits the region and does not negatively impact area producers and other water users.
The Chamber is supportive of needed research on desalination efforts, particularly with regard to brackish ground water supplies in the Santa Rosa dockum.
ECONOMY/TAXES
Support efforts to make the Bush tax cuts permanent; reduce the capital gains tax; reduce the tax on dividend income; make tax extenders (e.g., the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, and the Welfare to-Work Credit) permanent; improve the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit; enact enhanced tax-deferred savings vehicles; and otherwise advance simplification of, and ease of compliance with, the Internal Revenue Code.
Support efforts to eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax.
Monitor tax reform efforts by the Obama administration and Congress to ensure that concerns of Chamber members are accounted for.
Protect the long-term health and competitiveness of the U.S. capital markets by supporting sensible reforms to restore investor confidence while opposing unethical and criminal behavior. Advocate for policy changes that support continued stability, transparency, fairness, and innovation in our capital markets. Protect our capital markets from overregulation and unfair enforcement.
Support efforts to explore and implement comprehensive tax reform that encourages economic growth.
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WORKPLACE/LABOR/EMPLOYMENT
Oppose initiatives that would make union organizing easier, such as “Card Check”, which would abolish secret ballot elections in favor of card check majorities for union recognition.
Oppose unreasonable expansion of workplace mandates.
Oppose efforts to expand leave or to mandate paid sick leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Oppose efforts to increase the amount of punitive and compensatory damages available, the potential for frivolous litigation and unjustified administrative burdens.
Protect the use of binding arbitration in employment.
Oppose expansion of the National Labor Relations Board authority.
Support the National Right-to-Work Act, which would amend the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act to repeal those provisions that permit employers, pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement that is a union security agreement, to require employees to join a union as a condition of employment (including provisions permitting railroad carriers to require, pursuant to such an agreement, payroll deduction of union dues or fees as a condition of employment).
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation infrastructure is crucial to economic development opportunities, as well as maintaining our quality of life. The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is actively promoting several transportation projects that provide our member businesses with access to markets.
Support more equitable and flexible distribution of federal transportation funds and Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) funds and an increase to the PFC.
Support Ports-to-Plains efforts, especially a proposed pilot program for streamlined transport of overweight and oversize equipment along the Ports-to-Plains Corridor, Heartland Expressway and Theodore Roosevelt Expressway. This would provide uniform size and weight restrictions and streamlined permitting throughout the corridor.
Support implementation of airline safety measures in a manner that is safe, while not unnecessarily burdensome to the airline industry or that would discourage travel.
Support coalition efforts to improve freight rail service in West Texas. From a more long-range standpoint, improving freight rail also would allow Lubbock to consider a less-immediate but still important opportunity for eventual passenger rail access.
Support U.S. Chamber of Commerce efforts to address long-term infrastructure needs through the Let’s Rebuild America initiative.
Transportation-General
Remove obstacles to private investment in infrastructure capacity and promote policies to streamline project delivery.
Ensure adequate public sector investments guided by effective policies and programs.
Ensure that the funding commitments made in SAFETEA-LU, the federal surface transportation law, are kept.
Permanently fix the Highway Trust Fund.
Build on recent findings and recommendations of the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Commission.
Advocate a greater emphasis on economic needs and issues in formulating national transportation policies, plans and programs.
Support greater emphasis on national freight transportation program investments that would implement highway, rail, and marine
transportation improvements to benefit commerce.
Advocate for increasing overall public investment in infrastructure using all potential revenue sources, including user fees and other
revenues collected at different level of government.
Advocate for increased use of financing and credit options, including tax credits and public-private partnerships, to leverage private capital.
Detailed 2012 Federal Policy
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Detailed 2012 Federal Policy
Lubbock International Airport & Aviation
Increased flexibility in the way that the Federal PFC dollars are spent will allow airports to invest in projects that will create an additional revenue stream.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) – Continue to press for legislation that will allow non ticketed passengers through the security checkpoint. Increased traffic flow to vendors inside the secure area will positively impact the revenue generated by these businesses which will benefit the airports.
Advocate for Congress to complete reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Airway and Airports Trust Fund and include an increase to the PFC maximum collection from $4.50 to $7.50.
Encourage federal policies that recognize the link between our nation’s aviation network and jobs, economic development, global competitiveness, quality of life and national security.
Encourage Congress and the Administration to expedite air traffic modernization and invest in greater aviation system capacity to meet an expected doubling in aviation traffic over the next 10 years.
Public Transportation
Support H.R. 3545 which would allow for Operating Assistance for Urbanized Areas (UZAs) with Less Than 100 Peak Hour Buses. Public transportation systems in urbanized areas of more than 200,000 population which operate less than 100 buses in peak operation should be authorized to use 50% of FTA Section 5307 formula funds for operating purposes.
ENERGY
Urge the removal of obstacles to increased domestic energy production.
Climate Change – Reasonable and responsible federal action to reduce greenhouse emissions is warranted. Efforts to reduce greenhouse emissions must be made in concert with other energy/environmental goals, including the increase of natural gas supplies and minimizing price impact on natural gas consumers.
Fully support the highest-possible FY13 federal appropriations for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), urging appropriators
to fund at $5.1 billion, all in base according to statue or new formula. New formula fairly distributes LIHEAP to all 50 states, thereby enabling states and their community action agencies to provide energy assistance to the elderly, disabled and other qualified beneficiary households.
Natural Gas Production – Support incentives to expand natural gas supply from shale, offshore and onshore to help meet the rising demand and reduce price volatility for American Consumers.
Oppose legislation that promotes smart-grid appliances at the expense of high-efficiency natural gas appliances.
Federal law currently contains tax credits for natural gas vehicles; these credits are set to expire and a one-year extension bill is anticipated
this year. Support extending these provisions to encourage the use of natural gas in vehicles.
Urge Congress to lift moratoria and authorize environmentally compatible exploration for fuel including but not limited to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), the Outer Continental Shelf and other federal lands now closed to drilling.
Support provisions such as tax incentives that encourage the private sector's efforts to improve energy efficiency and conservation and its investment in alternative and renewable energy sources such as wind and biofuels, nuclear power, hydropower, clean coal, solar energy and geothermal energy.
Pipeline safety – Support the adoption of a balanced new federal pipeline safety bill which aspires to provide a greater public trust in the
nation’s pipeline network by installing additional automatic safety equipment where feasible, enhancing system integrity management, im-proving incident notification procedures, and increasing penalties for non-compliance.
Support development of the Keystone Pipeline Project.
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NOTES
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NOTES
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2012 Public Policy Guide An Initiative of the
Lubbock Chamber of Commerce 2012 Legislative Affairs Committee
Committee Co-Chairmen:
Steve Verett, Plains Cotton Growers, Inc.
Tim Pierce, South Plains Association of Governments
Active Committee Members:
Will Ashmore, Ashmore & Associates Jerry Bell, Consultant
Jim Conkwright, High Plains Water District Jim Douglass, Texas Tech Alumni Association
Jeff Foley, Atmos Energy Louis Garza, PlainsCapital Bank
Jim Gerlt, Bacon Heights Baptist Church Marinda Heinrich, Atmos Energy
Travis Hillman, Peoples Bank Beth Lawson, Lubbock Regional MHMR
Joseph Llanas, Edward Jones Tony Lloyd, RE/MAX Lubbock William H. Lowell, Lowell & Co.
Jacoby Madewell, J Ferg Roofing & Foam Carla Olson, Parenting Cottage
Tony Privett, High Plains Research David Rogers Jr., David Rogers Homes
Robert Rogers, General Steel Warehouse Ruth Schiermeyer, Southwest Financial Group
Tom Sell, Combest-Sell & Associates Winn Sikes CRS, GRI, Winnland Realtors
Aubrey Spear, City of Lubbock Gwen Stafford, Covenant Health System
Patrick Sturdivant, AmeriGroup Mike Stevens, Action Printing
John Wilson, Citibus Lois Wischkaemper, UMC Health System
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